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If you’ve been following SMP for any length of time, you know that when it comes to Ryan Ray, we’re kind of obsessed. Scratch that, seriously obsessed. But it’s not without good reason. He’s the king of gorgeous wedding photography and this little backyard beauty is a prime example. With flawless coordination on part of Events by Kristin and stunning bloomage by Stems of Dallas, we fully anticipate a pinning frenzy to commence right about…NOW. Get swoon-fest started here.

From the Bride…This wedding was all about a home. A home for family and friends. A home for celebration and comfort. A home for life’s greatest moments. The wedding was held at our new house, our first house, our first big project together. We completely renovated the house inside and out in a matter of four months to prepare for this day. Every bit of work was the result of our labor, our friends’ support and our families’ effort and dedication. It seemed so obvious after the work began that a wedding here would be truly special. We were engaged on the front step on Thanksgiving Day and we wanted to be married in the back yard just a short four months later. We have an affinity for hosting. It is something we absolutely love to do together (and our friend’s would say we’re pretty damn good at it). Our home, wherever it is, has always been a gathering place for friends. Our special day would be no different.

We have been together for four years this April (including a year of long distance dating between Chicago and Dallas). We met through mutual friends and our relationship sparked in a singular instance one night over sushi and drinks at a surprise birthday party for Josh. We became inseparable and grew to enjoy the small things in life so much more together. Nights of wine on the patio and dinner on the grill. Sunday mornings filled with jazz, coffee and the newspaper. Date nights on Fridays and picnics with our dog on Saturday afternoons. We took it slow and let our relationship blossom on its own. Growing stronger every month that passed.

When it became completely obvious that neither of us ever wanted this to end, Josh (finally) proposed to Lynsey. On the front step. With precious gems and metals from both families. Diamonds from Lynsey’s grandmother given to her by her late husband form a halo surrounding a diamond from Josh’s grandmother that was used in her engagement ring as well as his great-grandmother’s ring. Gold shavings from Josh’s mother and father’s rings were placed in the band. It is truly a one of a kind piece and an awesome representation of how important their families are to them.

Our vision for the wedding was upscale comfortable. Sort of an outdoor social club. A gathering of friends and family in an environment conducive to love, laughter, and friendship. There were no technical bridesmaids and groomsmen. Only two brothers; a Best Man for the groom and a “Man of Honor” for the bride. Our best girls and guys still joined us the day of to get ready and drink champagne. As the early afternoon came to a close, we walked to our outside deck for the first look. Our friends and family looked on for a very special moment and embrace.

Soon after, our guests arrived to glasses of champagne and the songs of Frank Sinatra setting the mood for a wonderful outdoor party. As the sun set picturesquely over the trees, the bride walked down the great stone steps to “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel, a song very special to the couple. The ceremony was officiated by the grooms step-father, prayers were said for a lifetime of happiness. After the ceremony, guests gathered back on the deck for happy hour while the couple took photographs along the trail behind the home. The bride and groom joined the festivities on the deck briefly before being ushered back downstairs to the large lawn for dinner and dancing. The couple’s first dance was to “You are the Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne, a song the groom sent the bride two months after they started dating. Everyone ate, drank, and danced the night away under the beautiful string light lit tree canopy (the bride in a second dress more suitable to dancing!) Guests often snuck off to the hill behind the house to enjoy a private view of downtown Dallas and reflect on the night.

We’ll never forget hearing the “boos” from our dance floor when the DJ announced the last song – it proved the night was a success and one we’ll always remember. We walked out to sparklers in the front yard and were chauffeured away in a white 1941 Packard with “Just Married” in the window. For us, it was the PERFECT night!